BANGOR, Maine — October is national Adopt-a-Dog Month and the Bangor Humane Society is urging area residents to participate.

Over the past two months, the humane society has rescued 166 owner-abandoned and stray dogs in need of adoption. Currently it has a list of more than 40 additional dogs that are in need of adoption but are unable to be housed at the shelter because all of the kennels are full.

The shelter hopes to leverage Adopt-a-Dog Month not only to facilitate the adoption of as many dogs as possible, but also to educate people about how to properly care for their dogs and to dispel the myths about shelter dogs.

According to Bangor Humane Society public relations manager Stacey Coventry, shelter dogs are often misunderstood. Often people think of them as being unwanted, disobedient, aggressive or incapable of being trained, but she said that is largely untrue.

“People assume that the dogs are here and it’s their [fault], and that’s usually not the case. Most of the time the dogs are here because of their owners, not because there are issues with the dog,” said Coventry.

To promote Adopt-a-Dog Month, the humane society is offering discounts up to 50 percent off the usual adoption fee, with a flat rate of $30 for any dog that has been at the shelter for 30 days or more. A wide variety of dogs are available for adoption. All shelter dogs have been spayed or neutered, and are up to date on all their shots.

The Bangor Humane Society urges anyone considering adopting to research the commitment, money and time that owning a dog requires. Anyone who wishes to adopt a dog may visit the shelter at 693 Mount Hope Ave. in Bangor and meet with an adoption specialist.

Those who wish to adopt but already own a dog must bring their dog into the shelter for a brief encounter with the selected shelter dog so that adoption specialists may judge how well the dogs could coexist with one another. Owners must also provide proof that their current dog is up to date on all shots.

“The goal is to find forever homes for the dogs that are the best fit for them and their new owners,” said Coventry. “We encourage people to keep an open mind, and to work with us to find them their perfect dog.”

For information, call 942-8902 or visit www.bangorhumane.org. To see the testimonials of people who have adopted dogs from the shelter, visit the Bangor Humane Society’s Facebook page.